Comprehensive estate planning gives you the power to decide where your belongings should go after you’re gone and who will have the right to make important decisions on your behalf. While many books and websites claim that estate planning can easily be handled yourself, the legal system is often confusing, and even minor errors can invalidate your entire estate plan. Here are a few reasons to let an attorney handle these important matters.

3 Reasons You Need an Estate Planning Attorney

1. Choosing the Best Inheritance Vehicle

Wills and trusts both provide methods for distributing your assets to your loved ones, but there are substantial differences between the two. A will simply makes your wishes regarding your assets legally enforceable, while a trust gives you more control over your belongings and allows your estate to skip probate. Choosing the right inheritance vehicle often requires the expertise of a skilled estate planning attorney who will take the time to review your situation.

2. Ensuring Your Estate Plan Is Valid

Each state has different requirements for making a will legally valid. In some jurisdictions, the document must be notarized, while Ohio and many other states simply require the signatures of two witnesses, but the rules in your area may differ. Some states also limit the power of a will, specifically prohibiting certain actions or the distribution of some types of property. An attorney will review your plan and offer solutions designed to help avoid unexpected legal challenges later.

3. Tailoring Powers of Attorney

Durable powers of attorney are estate planning instruments that empower others to act on your behalf if you’re incapacitated. These powers can be very broad or narrowly tailored, depending on the situation. Ensuring that your powers of attorney accurately reflect your intent often requires the skills of an experienced lawyer.

With over a century of combined legal experience and a reputation throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area for quality service, Katzman, Logan, Halper and Bennett has the insight and skills to handle all of your estate planning needs. They’re dedicated to giving each client what they would expect—quality counsel, individualized attention, and the highest levels of professionalism possible. Visit their website for more on their estate planning services, follow their Facebook page for additional legal tips, or call (513) 793-4400 to schedule a consultation today.